The Wrestling Thread Invented Canada! - - - Part 48

[Metallo]

As I've thought about it more I have to wonder a little bit if Rocks segment last night was a work on us. Or rather a worked shoot or work within a work to allow for a good give and take between the two. I have some doubts though.

They seem to love trying to work the smarks. I can't imagine Rock being that terrible unless it was on purpose. And he WAS pretty terrible. His rambling twitter talk, crib notes scribbled on his arm, and almost falling off the middle rope at the end were just embarrassing and he was basically telling kids to rise above his nuts. I have to wonder if they were trying to get him heat for whatever reason.

It makes no sense on so many levels though. Rock and Cena are both good enough to make this thing work without that kind of Russo worked shoot nonsense.

Another thing that gives me doubt is the fact that WWE LOVES twitter so I'm sure they'd be glad with Rock pushing twitter instead of trying to use it in a negative storyline light.

But even if it was a work its still a dumb idea. The adult attitude era loving fans will cheer Rock against Cena no matter what and the kids will cheer Cena no matter what. Rock could say everybody in the crowds mom needs to rise above his nuts sometimes and they'd STILL cheer him over Cena. Vince and co have to realize that at this point.

If Rock was trying to take a hit to get Cena more over as a face he did a TERRIBLE job. Either way at least people are talking about it and thats always a good thing.

WWE.com made the following announcement Tuesday morning:


"Both Raw and SmackDown are about to get extreme makeovers. In an effort to help determine which General Manager should control both shows, the WWE Board of Directors has decided to switch control of each show next week. SmackDown GM Theodore Long will take control of Monday night’s Raw while Raw GM John Laurinaitis takes the reins of next Friday’s SmackDown.

The decision comes one week after Laurinaitis announced at Elimination Chamber that he will seek control over both shows, bolstered by flattering testimonials by Superstars Mark Henry, Christian and Alberto Del Rio. A perturbed Long made it clear to Laurinaitis that he’s not about to take the threat to his position lying down."

Talk about an anti climax. *Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz*

Poll from the front of Wrestlezone, Vince has got to be happy that the top 3 matches are only seperated by 4.5% in interest, it shows the build for them all is working.

They each offer something. Rock vs Cena has top star vs top star. Taker vs HHH has Legend vs Legend in a battle for the streak in a structure they are master of. Punk vs Jericho has two great talkers who can back it up in the ring and may steal the show match wise.

Something I really just now noticed is that WrestleMania XXVIII's theme is really the end of an era.

We have CM Punk vs Chris Jericho, each arguably the best in each of the respective "eras" and with each trying to prove they are the best.

Then you have Triple H vs Undertaker, the "last" of a dying breed and the last of an era both fighting and both ready to end each other and their "era".

Then of course, Cena vs Rock. The top babyfaces in both there "eras" and the most popular in each of their respective era. Cena is fighting for the little guy, the newer wrestlers who can't get over because special attraction/veterans hog the main event. The Rock is fighting for his right to, well, who knows.

The fact is, WrestleMania is truly shaping up to be Era vs Era with likely the older era, which many of us fans complain about intruding on the current and keeping younger wrestlers from getting over, finally ending.

Transition and era vs era certainly seems to be themes running through the main bouts in the show. And there's also the traditional theme of who is greater only its pushed to the max here with added elements beyond your usual wrestling matches.

 

[LOBO3315a]

Here's the bottom line on the Cena/Rock promo last night. Dwayne was up there for 10 minutes and addressed 3 issues. He said he would never be there every week, that no one fought for the big names in the business, and he's there to entertain the crowd. The rest of it was trending, Boots 2 Asses, Kung Pow, lady-parts, Fruity Pebbles, Missing Balls, and Rocky chants.

John came out for 4 minutes and addressed 4 issues. Dwayne Johnson and the Rock not being the same person, Rocky wouldn't care if the WWE shut its doors tomorrow, he doesn't need his promo notes on his arm, and to 'keep trending'. And most of that was done in the last minute.

Cena took Dwayne to shoot promo school. And this is where I think Vince is going with this. Rock was king of the kayfabe promo. He made it look like it was real, but in actuality it was all planned out in advance. Cena can come out, and with ease make a promo look real, because part of it was real. Hence, the Reality Era. Which is why I think Rock was mad last night. Cena ran circles around Rock in that promo, and he knew it. That's why he dropped that "Motherf****r" and called Cena a "Bastard" after he threw his mike away. He lost his cool, and that's why Cena came out on top.

 

[Hunter Rider]

As I've thought about it more I have to wonder a little bit if Rocks segment last night was a work on us. Or rather a worked shoot or work within a work to allow for a good give and take between the two. I have some doubts though.

They seem to love trying to work the smarks. I can't imagine Rock being that terrible unless it was on purpose. And he WAS pretty terrible. His rambling twitter talk, crib notes scribbled on his arm, and almost falling off the middle rope at the end were just embarrassing and he was basically telling kids to rise above his nuts. I have to wonder if they were trying to get him heat for whatever reason.

It makes no sense on so many levels though. Rock and Cena are both good enough to make this thing work without that kind of Russo worked shoot nonsense.

Another thing that gives me doubt is the fact that WWE LOVES twitter so I'm sure they'd be glad with Rock pushing twitter instead of trying to use it in a negative storyline light.

But even if it was a work its still a dumb idea. The adult attitude era loving fans will cheer Rock against Cena no matter what and the kids will cheer Cena no matter what. Rock could say everybody in the crowds mom needs to rise above his nuts sometimes and they'd STILL cheer him over Cena. Vince and co have to realize that at this point.

If Rock was trying to take a hit to get Cena more over as a face he did a TERRIBLE job. Either way at least people are talking about it and thats always a good thing.

My guess is Rock went out there with a free run and got caught up in interacting with the fans, you could see by his arm he was genuinely excited to be out there and get that response.

Now whether Cena was meant to interrupt or not is anyone's guess, my take is probably, as Vince wouldn't want to upset Rock.

The notes on his arm were not a big deal when you see how basic they were, just bullet points, amazingly Kung Pow Chicken to Kung Pow B***h was one of them, but Cena calling him on them? I think that caught him off guard, Rock's face is filled with emotion, he stumbled his delivery and looked flustered, I don't think he's that good of an actor, it felt raw (no pun intended).

 

[The Chris]

After watching some raw off air stuff, I think Cena, Rock, And WWE all did a great job of sucking everyone in and making the smarks believe that was all a shoot. I'm thinking more and more that was a work, and a damn good one. Made me want Cena to get his butt kicked even more. Good job.

 

[bullets]

Oh a Piper's Pit with Rock and Cena and live mics could be gold.

I think bullets idea to do a Piper's Pit would be inspired, who better than the original maverick to stir the pot further.
.

A Pipers Pit would be great because He would push Rock and Cenas buttons to get the the heart of the issue instead of wasting time with stupid retread insults. Piper THRIVES on controversy.

Piper can also match and maybe even outmatch both Rock and Cena on the mic so he's not going to get sidetracked.

Roddy's last two big promos involving Cena were absolute gold and I'd love to see what Rock would do when confronted by a talker like Piper..

Hell yeah ... I have hopes for this.


There was talk of USA network airing a special. I would like to hear HBK, Stone Cold , and others weighing in much like they did with the Triple H vs Undertaker match last year.

It makes no f***n sense though. Its something a child would say while Rock is pushing 40. He can do better than that. Lamest insult I've heard in a LOOOONG time.

The crowd seems to enjoy it but it's more fun to be there live and play along with the Rock. If I was there I'd cheer it but sitting at home I wanted to fast forward to Cena's interruption. Can't remember the last time I wanted to fast forward through a Rock promo but to be honest his catchphrases take forever. It takes damn near seven minutes for him to get to through his entrance sometimes. I'm not trying to hate on the Rock. I'm grateful he came back but yeah the trending thing has run it's course and Cena owned him when he said 'continue trending' and dropped the mic.

 

[Hunter Rider]

After watching some raw off air stuff, I think Cena, Rock, And WWE all did a great job of sucking everyone in and making the smarks believe that was all a shoot. I'm thinking more and more that was a work, and a damn good one. Made me want Cena to get his butt kicked even more. Good job.

Then it was a bad job because if it was a work it was designed to get Cena over, the guy they want over because when the dust settles after Mania he'll be the one relied on to keep the WWE ship going.

 

[bullets]

JBL Comments on The Rock's Backstage Heat and Chris Jericho Returning

Posted by Marc Middleton on 02/28/2012
- Former WWE Champion JBL took to his Facebook page this morning and commented on recent reports about The Rock and Chris Jericho returning.

Heat on The Rock:
"I hear the resentment/jealousy of the Rock backstage and I quite frankly don't believe it. Four of the world's biggest superstars in Cena, Rock, Undertaker and Triple H will headline WM-this is huge for WWE and the business-guys should be dying to be on this card and my guess is they are. It's very simple to those who do have any problem with it, if there is anyone truly that does-replace them and there won't be a spot for them. Until then just say 'thanks!'"

Chris Jericho:
"There is a reason why Jericho and others can always come back-they earned that right and they still draw. Shawn Michaels does as well. CM Punk and John Cena earned the right to be on top. If these guys ever quit drawing then they know it's time to hang it up-that hasn't happened yet, and I hope it won't. Piper and Diesel ares guys who still draw interest and create buzz. Shows how great these guys are that they still create interest-it's Darwinian, once they stop or are replaced then you won't see them anymore. Batista would draw if he decides to return."

- There was high praise for CM Punk and Chris Jericho after their segment on last night's RAW Supershow. Here are some comments:

Jim Ross: "It's going to be hard for anyone to follow the pure wrestling match that @CMPunk & @IAmJericho will have at WM28 Trust me on that"

Bret Hart: "That was probably the best promo I've seen in months & I'm not saying that bc of the shoutout. Punk & Jericho were on the top of their game"

Meanwhile, Chris Jericho commented:

"And THAT is how you prove a point.... @CMPunk #raw"

 

[The Chris]

Then it was a bad job because if it was a work it was designed to get Cena over, the guy they want over because when the dust settles after Mania he'll be the one relied on to keep the WWE ship going.

I was thinking they did a good job because look how everyone is reacting. Mission Accomplished I'd say.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I was thinking they did a good job because look how everyone is reacting. Mission Accomplished I'd say.

In that term yes, but I still don't think that last 90 seconds was a work, there was real emotion out there.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Bret Hart: "That was probably the best promo I've seen in months & I'm not saying that bc of the shoutout. Punk & Jericho were on the top of their game"

Bret Hart should know. After all, he invented Canada.

By the way, on behalf of all Canadians, we would be perfectly happy if the wrestling thread kept this title forever. Even CM Punk is going to have trouble topping THIS!!!

 

[Hunter Rider]

Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) and Jimmy Korderas (@jimmykorderas) of #Aftermath Radio on thescore.com and iTunes chat with former WWE and WCW superstar Vader. Highlights:

What are this thoughts on Ron Simmons being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame:

"You know this is the first ive ever heard about it. Just a fantastic guy. High quality individual,extremely strong, extremely quick. He is a good friend of mine, we had some great matches together. Congratulations to Ron, and hes gonna be a great representative for the WWE"

Was there any struggle in keeping the Vader character when he joined WWE in 1996:

"Vince McMahon and I talked about that, what I think he really wanted to do was change the character and come up with something new. It was something I felt strong about, and we kinda butted heads about that part of the negotiations. I look back on that and thought maybe I could have done 2 characters, had Vader in Japan, and did The Mastodon here in America. You never know how that could have turned out"

On his rivalry with Shawn Michaels that lead to a match in the main event of Summerslam 1996, was there a conversation that we would win the WWE Championship during that time:

"Yea there was, obviously it never happened. Shawn wasnt just over he was like the man. In his entire career in WWE he was the star. When I got there Shawn was the guy, boy what worker. He could get the job done. Fluent athlete, could do anything, just period. Didn't matter what you asked him to do, he could just do it. Didn't work out for me in the WWE, but I look back at my time there, and I enjoyed it, it was a great deal"

About the incident in 1997 in Kuwait where he appeared on the talk show "Good Morning Kuwait" and threatened the host when he asked him if wrestling was fake. Was he trying to protect the wrestling business?

"I never touched this guy, I physically never touched him. I wrapped my finger around his tie, and bent down and was asking. From my understanding, I was doing exactly what I was told to do period. Undertaker and myself was on the set , and we were gonna wrestle that night. It was a great opportunity to promote our show, the agent told me what to do and I did it"


FULL 35+ MINUTE INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://blogs.thescore.com/wwe/2012/02/28/aftermath-radio-interviews-big-van-vader/

 

[Kaleb]

glad to see Vader didn hold any grudges against shawn,still think he should of won the title.

 

[Project862006]

After watching some raw off air stuff, I think Cena, Rock, And WWE all did a great job of sucking everyone in and making the smarks believe that was all a shoot. I'm thinking more and more that was a work, and a damn good one. Made me want Cena to get his butt kicked even more. Good job.

if it was a work and rock's reaction is a work rock is wasting his time doing action film his agent needs to get him in the next malick movie

 

[The Chris]

if it was a work and rock's reaction is a work rock is wasting his time doing action film his agent needs to get him in the next malick movie

Dude did do a good job in gridiron gang

 

[Pink Ranger]

glad to see Vader didn hold any grudges against shawn,still think he should of won the title.

At least it should have been a longer program between them. That's the one thing I liked the least about the New Generation era: month-to-month rotating feuds over the WWE title. So much wasted potential there: Hart vs. Michaels, Vader vs. Michaels, Smith vs. Hart, Mankind vs. Michaels; these programs could have been awesome if carried on for more than 30 days at a time.

if it was a work and rock's reaction is a work rock is wasting his time doing action film his agent needs to get him in the next malick movie

It was Dwayne inside one of those dinosaur costumes in Tree of Life.

 

[Kaleb]

is the rest of Raw as good as the opening segment? I just got home from work and busy watching it now.

 

[The Chris]

[YT]QnQct8GjDLE#![/YT]

 

[Metallo]

In that term yes, but I still don't think that last 90 seconds was a work, there was real emotion out there.

Work or shoot the end was one of the most interesting parts. Rock was at a loss for words and looked upset. That could be seen as a good thing. Whatever it was Cena was the catalyst for making last nights segment interesting.

I certainly can't see how anybody can say Rock won. best case scenario for him it was a draw. Cena highlighted how silly Rocks act was before Cena came out last night.

Arda Ocal (@arda_ocal) and Jimmy Korderas (@jimmykorderas) of #Aftermath Radio on thescore.com and iTunes chat with former WWE and WCW superstar Vader. Highlights:

What are this thoughts on Ron Simmons being inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame:

"You know this is the first ive ever heard about it. Just a fantastic guy. High quality individual,extremely strong, extremely quick. He is a good friend of mine, we had some great matches together. Congratulations to Ron, and hes gonna be a great representative for the WWE"

Was there any struggle in keeping the Vader character when he joined WWE in 1996:

"Vince McMahon and I talked about that, what I think he really wanted to do was change the character and come up with something new. It was something I felt strong about, and we kinda butted heads about that part of the negotiations. I look back on that and thought maybe I could have done 2 characters, had Vader in Japan, and did The Mastodon here in America. You never know how that could have turned out"

On his rivalry with Shawn Michaels that lead to a match in the main event of Summerslam 1996, was there a conversation that we would win the WWE Championship during that time:

"Yea there was, obviously it never happened. Shawn wasnt just over he was like the man. In his entire career in WWE he was the star. When I got there Shawn was the guy, boy what worker. He could get the job done. Fluent athlete, could do anything, just period. Didn't matter what you asked him to do, he could just do it. Didn't work out for me in the WWE, but I look back at my time there, and I enjoyed it, it was a great deal"
About the incident in 1997 in Kuwait where he appeared on the talk show "Good Morning Kuwait" and threatened the host when he asked him if wrestling was fake. Was he trying to protect the wrestling business?

"I never touched this guy, I physically never touched him. I wrapped my finger around his tie, and bent down and was asking. From my understanding, I was doing exactly what I was told to do period. Undertaker and myself was on the set , and we were gonna wrestle that night. It was a great opportunity to promote our show, the agent told me what to do and I did it"


FULL 35+ MINUTE INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://blogs.thescore.com/wwe/2012/02/28/aftermath-radio-interviews-big-van-vader/

You can't change Vader. Thats asinine. Vader had his problems in WWF but his gimmick was always perfect. Didn't need any tinkering. Best case scenario it would have been a few mild tweaks like Kharma. A name change and thats really it. But Vader was an AWESOME ring name. Fit him well.

 

[Hunter Rider]

 

[bullets]

Vader seems humble and still a nice guy. It's good to see he doesn't have any chips on his shoulder . Someone said Shawn apologized to Vader , is that true?

At least it should have been a longer program between them. That's the one thing I liked the least about the New Generation era: month-to-month rotating feuds over the WWE title. So much wasted potential there: Hart vs. Michaels, Vader vs. Michaels, Smith vs. Hart, Mankind vs. Michaels; these programs could have been awesome if carried on for more than 30 days at a time.

All of those had great potential . I remember at the time not understanding why British Bulldog didn't last longer in the spotlight.

 

[Sith Scotti]

How the hell did Cena win the promo ? The crowd is clearly behind the Rock , when you have 20,000 fans chanting missing balls at Cena who got booed big time when he came out , he won nothing

I do think the wwe is trying their best to make Cena look good and get the crowd behind him , and its not working

 

[Anno_Domini]

Cena won by those two minutes....granted, I think Cena won the second half of that promo, but the first half, Rock was on a roll...until he literally jumped off the tracks and let the crowd take him away into a whole different direction. But then Rock just got the crowd back on his side.

I would like to know more on if Rock was actually angry though.

 

[Kaleb]

Work or shoot the end was one of the most interesting parts. Rock was at a loss for words and looked upset. That could be seen as a good thing. Whatever it was Cena was the catalyst for making last nights segment interesting.

I certainly can't see how anybody can say Rock won. best case scenario for him it was a draw. Cena highlighted how silly Rocks act was before Cena came out last night.

Just finished watchng this, and came here to point it out, Rock kept on fumbling over his words after Cena left. I remember the Raw before Wrestlemania last yr when Cena gave a long heart felt speech (not sure on what it was about , but thats besides the point) and all the Rock could do in return was saying how badly he wanted to kick Cena's ass ( or something like that , all I know is that it was a lame comeback from someone who is supposed to be one of the greatest talkers in the history of the business)

 

[chamber-music]

I really think The Rock is going to put Cena over now. I think they will make it look good like the Taker Triple H match but I think WWE are gonna have Cena win.

Not sure how that will go down in The Rocks home town. The Rock will probably say John earned his respect after the match and he has balls after all and will shake his hand.

 

[Project862006]

How the hell did Cena win the promo ? The crowd is clearly behind the Rock , when you have 20,000 fans chanting missing balls at Cena who got booed big time when he came out , he won nothing

I do think the wwe is trying their best to make Cena look good and get the crowd behind him , and its not working

cena has been boo'd for 6 years he does'nt get cheered over cm punk,jericho,batista, hbk or hhh so him not being cheered over rock means absolutely nothing

cena clearly owned the rock it was'nt even close